4 year old sucks all his food?

Good morning!

I look after a 4.5 year old boy who has started sucking all his food, he holds it between his fingers and sucks on it till he either eventually eats it or it gets too mushy and gross to eat....this has started over the last month or so. At first he would suck on softer things like cheese, dry cereal or bread, now it's moving onto most everything. I've asked him if his teeth or jaw hurt, he says no. I ask him why he sucks his food and he just shrugs. It's strange and also gross because his partially disintegrated food gets left on his plate. He is an extremely picky eater, so I'm wondering if this is his latest strategy to avoid eating anything but what HE considers acceptable......anyo ne encounter this before?

No I haven't and because he is 4.5 I would also tell him it is unacceptable, chew your food properly so you dont choke or get down from the table and wait for the next meal time.

I agree he's definitely old enough to know proper table manners and sucking on his food is not how we eat. He either eats nicely or he can be done and leave the table.

I too agree. unless there is something wrong with him mentally I would not allow it either. I think it is a little strange and given it's something new? nip it in the bud. 4.5 is way too old to do anything other than sit up straight and eat your food with proper manners. That would drive me crazy!!!

Oh ya .... And use a fork

Eeeew! What does his Mom say she does about it at home? Does she have any insights or suggestions for you to make him CUT IT OUT!!!???